Great mentors to teach about the banking industry. Everyday was a new challenge that allowed me to utilize problem solving skills along with management skills I acquired during my time in the military.

Prior to being acquired by Talmer Bancorp, First Place Bank was the leader in Community Banking in our footprint. We had a strong Senior Team with a focus on employees. Our corporate core values were part of our everyday. "RITE STUFF" - Respect, Integrity, Trust, Empathy, Service, Teamwork, Unique, Focus, FUN! We were very involved in our communities via strong partipation with organizations/events such as the United Way, the United Way Day of Caring, Relay for Life, Panerathon to name a few. Our employees were involved, happy, customer service oriented and recognized by management via many avenues to include our Formal and Inforrmal Recognition Programs, Annual Sales and Service BASH and in the normal day to day work environment.

Cons: cutting hours, not receiving time & half anymore on weekends, no pay increases in 3 years or so

A typical day at work usually includes finding a task to do. This bank is undergoing a conversion with another bank, so typically waiting on customers is rare. They basically are having us go through files all day pulling old stuff and shredding it. Usually the upper management is sitting in an office with the door closed gossiping, or not even there at all. Its hard finding someone to help you when you have an issue. Most days customers come in upset, do to all the changes. Its hard seeing good people upset especially when there used to one thing then after 20 years they have to obied by another. I would say the hardest part of my job is finding a way to convince myself that i believe in this company and what it stands for. Going on 5 years with First Place Bank, and i want to believe it will turn back into the company i once was proud of working for, thats why i am still there even after all the changes.

Cons: changes in regulations caused the back to be bought by a non local bank

First Place Bank was a very comfortable, friendly and goal orientented environment. Job advanvcement was achievable with training and support of staff and management. It was a company that provided good, sound products to the public and always provided excellent customer service. We always took pride in that.

First Place Bank is a great company that has a lot of awesome hard working people that are always there to help. There is always room to advance and everyone is willing to teach you new things. The hardest part of the job would be understanding exactly what the customers need to have done. However, when you are able to fix the customers problems and have them leave happy then you know you did your jo right and that is truly enjoyable.

By far the best place I have ever worked! As an employee we were encouraged to perform our best, concerns and complaints regarding operations were heard. Edward Mowat is the best boss to work for. Working for First Place Bank, now EMM Mortgage Loans, was a very educational experience. I learned to fully dissect my work duties, in doing so, I never found myself in a position that I had to stop working because of a system error. I exceeded all expectations put on me by my employer and left this position with a positive exit.

I worked with our borrowers who had difficulty making their mortgage payments in determining what their best option would be based on their situation. Management allowed you to do what needed to be done. I learned several skills including how to deal with government processes (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac), vendor software, reimbursement requests, and monthly reporting. My co-workers were helpful in trying to reach goals in all positions. The best part of this job was that management understood that their employees had lives outside of the bank and allowed them time if needed to deal with any issues that came up. Unfortunately, the bank was sold and my position is being eliminated.

Company has a caring attitude toward it's employee. IT systems have been lacking and management was lacking in their oversight. After the purchase by another institution these issues are changing rapidly for the better.